Minnesota news and information

Sometimes, a doctor's orders are easier to take from someone who doesn't wear a stethoscope. A study conducted at six Twin Cities clinics found that patients with chronic conditions fared better when doctors and nurses were assisted by "care guides"— laypeople who lead patients through the...
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has hired two physicians—Dr. Andrea Hillerud and Dr. Maureen White—to help lead its medical affairs department.
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When Bill Hill, 75, steps on the scale, his weight appears 24 miles away on computer monitor at Essentia Health in Duluth, Minn. There, registered nurse Denise Buxbaum monitors his health in a program that aims to keep about 300 heart failure patients out of the hospital.
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The turnaround in the financial markets—and an overall improving economy—means charitable giving has improved at hospitals at a time when their investment portfolios are also seeing greater returns.
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Doctors should talk to patients about their financial concerns relating to their medical care with questions such as, “Are you worried about how your medical care will be paid for?” And they should discuss treatment options and costs with patients, according to a commentary in the...
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After 16 years as head of River’s Edge Hospital and Clinic in St. Peter, Minn., Colleen Spike has become a hero to some for fiercely defending its independence as giant medical centers have bought up similar facilities across the country.
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Winona Health CFO Mike Allen discusses what it's like to be a small, independent provider when so many peers are deciding bigger is better. Allen was interviewed at the Healthcare Financial Management Association's annual conference in Orlando, Fla.
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The Healthcare Financial Management Association on Sunday released new guidelines aimed at improving provider communications with patients about paying for care.
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It's no surprise that collaboration between payers and providers will continue to increase as the launch of health insurance exchanges in October approaches. But sustaining that cooperation will require “physician champions” to work closely with payers and more simplified contracts...
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Minnesota leaders say their state is well positioned for healthcare reform's focus on new payment models, ramped-up quality reporting and collaborative approaches to care.
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